ShopTalk gals, heads up on this one. Here’s a real deal: Think about heading to the Salvation Army Thrift Stores and Goodwill stores. You’ll be amazed what bargains can be had! (Please note: we rarely use exclamation points.) Yes, everything from baby blankets to duvets can be had for a pittance, but they can invaluable to someone who is facing a very chilly Christmas Eve and winter. Plus you’ll be supporting two non-profit organizations that are year-round heroes.

December 18: The late Allan McKinnon‘s Irving-based import and wholesale company Just Crystal was known for its fine crystal products (pictured) and working directly with companies in the Czech Republic. His daughter Melina McKinnon, who founded MC Films, is hosting a sale of Allan’s massive estate with proceeds going to Arts Fighting Cancer, which was founded by Melina’s hubby Michael Cain. Also included in the estate is the Molinari Collection, “a vibrant signed-collector’s edition glass from Brazil discovered at a German glass show by Allan.” Today is the last day of this very special offering being held at One Arts Plaza’s residential condominiums.

December 18 – 20: The West Village is hosting the Wish Key Event benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas. Any in-store purchase not only results in a $2-donation to M-A-W, it also earns the shopper a West Village Wish Key. What the heck do you do with the key, you ask? You take it to the holiday gift box located in West Village’s South Alley and try to open it. What’s inside? Everything from gift certificates to electronics and other goodies.  Where the South Alley? Think the area between Mi Cocina and Lemon Bar. Now you’re thinking!

December 20: Del Frisco’s is hosting a party for 200 children in the Wednesday’s Child program. You are NOT invited. Sorry about that. But you are needed. Many of these foster children have MIA parents and will probably not score very high on Santa’s list. So Dee “Laughing Lady” Lincoln (where did she get that laugh?) is setting up  26 stations at the posh steak mansion for the kids which include “gift cards, hoodies, backpacks, stuff a stocking, toys, build a bear, meet Dallas Cowboys players, pajamas, face painting, decorate a cookies, photos with Santa, and live music for dancing.” Where do you come in? They really, really need gift cards for the kids. According to spokes-elf Andrea Alcorn, “We are accepting gift cards $10 and up to Walmart, Target, or any store of choice that children can shop at. Donors can drop off gift cards at Friedman & Feiger law firm or Del Frisco’s — both are located next door to each other on Spring Valley Road.” They need them no later than immediately. While you’re there, say “Hi” to Dee and have a laugh.

And speaking of Wednesday’s Child, the Wednesday’s Child Benefit Corporation has an opportunity — giving cash without costing you anything. Yes, it requires you to register with GiveSmart. Once you’ve registered, each purchase you make at certain stores (Target, Borders, Best Buy, PetSmart, Walmart, Office Depot, and about 90 others) returns a percentage of the sale to the Wednesday’s Child organization.  Just think! You could register with GiveSmart, buy a passel of gift cards at one of these stores earning Wednesday’s Child a donation, and drop the cards off for the Del Frisco’s party. That sounds like two holes-in-one in a row.

Thursday, December 3 (5 to 9 p.m.) – Luxury on Lovers Day Spa is donating 10% of sales from Karla Refojo‘s jewelry trunk show to the North Texas Food Bank. Karla’s latest line of chakras, mantras, and deity jewelry are the result of her travels to Nepal and working with Newar master craftsmen including master artist Rajendra Bajracharya, a 17th generation Buddhist priest who cares each amulet in 24K repoussé. Blessed by a Nepalese holy woman, these jewels are sacred art intended to remind the wearer of their divine nature which in unbound by time and space.

Thursday, December 3 – Sunday, December 6 – A portion of shopping and dining purchases at “select merchants and restaurants at the Preston Royal Village” will benefit Artreach-Dallas Inc. Yes, yes, we know what you’re wondering? Which “select merchants and restaurants”? Calm down. Here’s the answer: Merge, Molto Formaggio: The Cheese Shop, PoPoLoS  Cafe, Smashing Times, Talula, Tango Zango, Write Selection, and The Purple Cow (December 3 only 4 p.m. to close).